Spartan Race: Why it stands above the rest

The Spartan Race has seen its fair share of obstacle course races come and go, but they’re still there standing strong. They’re confident in their concept of the sport of obstacle races (OCR) and don’t feel the need to resort to any gimmicks. From various levels of races, multitudes of inspiring participants and dedication to creating amazing events each year, they price themselves on being known as the best in the industry.

It’s about the obstacles and camaraderie

You won’t see any tear gas, mace or electric shocks here. Spartan Race combines challenging obstacles and unique terrain at each of their events to create a race that will really put you to the test. Yes, there’s mud, but there’s so much more.

Each year sees a new race, designed with new obstacles – so expect the unexpected. If you’re thinking of skipping an obstacle, think again – any failed or skipped ones result in 30 burpees to continue, which you’re free to share among your team or friends in the name of teamwork and camaraderie.

Whether you race as a team or make new friends along the way, you’ll be in good company on the course.

Men and women race together

While there have been a few “women’s only” races popping up over the past few years, Spartan Race has never felt the need to create a separate race for their female competitors. In Western Canada, they boast a 50/50 split between male and female competitors, and some races even see more women – which is unheard of at obstacle course races.

In 2014, biathlon athlete Claude Godbot from Quebec won every Spartan Race event she participated in, becoming the female Spartan Race World Champion in Vermont for the second time, finishing a full three and a half minutes ahead of her second place competitor.

Spartan races don’t stop at 5k

If the 5k obstacle course race doesn’t sound challenging enough for you, try out the 12k+ Spartan Super or the 21k+ Spartan Beast! If you’re really looking to push yourself, try the 42k+ Spartan ULTRA Beast – the longest OCR in Western Canada.

Spartan Race takes pride in their various levels of races and continually challenges participants to push themselves harder, move faster and accomplish more than they ever thought possible. By completing all three distances in a calendar year, not only can participants earn the coveted Trifecta medal, but also build endurance and strength.

They even have a Kids & Youth races for ages five to 13 to spark that fire early.

They have the best fans

It’s true – just check out their Facebook page. Spartans come back year after year, following the events around Western Canada and the globe to tackle the three distinct levels of Spartan Races to earn their Trifecta medal. Some even earn multiple Trifecta’s per year, like Richard Lee Yuen who completed his 15th Trifecta earlier this year, making him the World Record Trifecta Holder – that’s 45 Spartan Races in one year.

And the Spartan Race newbie competitors continue to inspire by getting off their butts and tackling the course; whether they’re regulars at the gym or count their daily exercise as walking from the couch to the fridge. They prove that anyone can be a Spartan if you show up and put your mind and body to the test.

The Spartan Race founder is HARD CORE

Joe De Sena – ever heard of him? His legendary tenacity is what inspired him to create a race that could be brought to the masses. His resume is the stuff of legend – over 50 ultra-events overall and 14 Ironman events in one year alone. Last year, at 44 years old, he spent nine and a half hours doing 4,000 burpees in the #MakeJoeBurpee charity challenge.  That should tell you a little something about the kind of event you can expect when heading to a Spartan Race.

De Sena and the Spartan Race team thrive on creating original events that will push you to your limit year after year. The goal of Spartan Race is to get you off your couch and get you fit and active in mind, body and spirit. This race is for the competitive, for the courageous and for those who wake up every morning looking for the next challenge or way to step outside of their comfort zone. If you are one of the courageous, join the Spartan Race!

What are you waiting for? Sign up, show up and SPARTAN THE F#@K UP! Use the promo code VANCITYBUZZ and get $15 off your registration into any open individual heat for the June 6 North Vancouver Spartan Race 5k+ Sprint.

 

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